Illustration of rein
- R rein 1
1
: a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal
—usually used in plural
2
a
: a restraining influence : check
kept a tight rein on the proceedings
b
: controlling or guiding power
—usually used in plural
the reins of government
3
: opportunity for unhampered activity or use
gave full rein to her imagination
reined; reining; reins
1
: to control or direct with or as if with reins
2
: to check or stop by or as if by a pull at the reins
reined in her horse
couldn't rein his impatience
1
: to stop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins
2
archaic
: to submit to the use of reins
Examples of rein in a Sentence
Noun
He has people working for him, but he has a tight rein on every part of the process.
after the president resigned, the vice president stepped in and took the reins of the company
Verb
try to rein in your spending, so you have some money left for saving
Recent Examples on the Web
Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Eventually, Deep Cover’s reins were handed over to director Tom Kingsley and writing duo/comedy double act, Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
Several directors have talked about needing to rein Cruise in.
—Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rein
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed all three animated How to Train Your Dragon films, is once again behind the reins for the 2025 live-action remake.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Eventually, Deep Cover’s reins were handed over to director Tom Kingsley and writing duo/comedy double act, Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Verb
If Trump did try to deploy the Guard, Pritzker said, the state would rely on the courts to rein him in.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
Several directors have talked about needing to rein Cruise in.
—Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rein
Cite this Entry
“Rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rein. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rein
1 of 2 noun1
: a line or strap fastened to a bit on each side for controlling an animal (as a horse)
—usually used in plural
2
a
: an influence that slows, limits, or holds back
kept the child under a tight rein
b
: controlling or guiding power
—usually used in plural
seized the reins of government
3
: complete freedom : scope
gave full rein to her imagination
rein
2 of 2 verb
: to check, control, or stop by or as if by reins
reined in the horse
couldn't rein his impatience
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share